Former England captain Ben Stokes has reacted humorously on social media to the anti-corruption controversy involving the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Responding to reports about the ICC's investigation into his dressing room retirement video, Stokes said that he should be sacked over the incident.
Stokes retired from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with England suffering a 160-run defeat on Monday, June 29. The 35-year-old finished his Test career with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets in 122 matches, establishing himself as one of England's greatest all-rounders.
Sack Him - Ben Stokes Jokes About ECB's Anti-Corruption Controversy
The controversy began after the ECB shared a video of Ben Stokes announcing his retirement to England's players during the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand. The ICC later wrote to the ECB, alleging that releasing dressing room footage during the match breached its anti-corruption regulations.
Reacting to a Telegraph Sport post on X about the issue, Stokes made light of the situation with a humorous response. The former England captain simply wrote, "Sack him ...", mocking the controversy after reports claimed the ICC had raised concerns over the video's release during the match.
Sack him … https://t.co/LYQ5ZlYqDE
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 9, 2026
In his speech to his team-mates, Stokes said: “There’s something I know is going to happen over the next two days, which is going to be [that] this is my last two days as your captain, and my last two days as representing England."
ICC Questions ECB Over Dressing Room Footage
According to a BBC report, the ICC has written to the ECB, alleging that releasing Ben Stokes' dressing room retirement video during the Trent Bridge Test breached its anti-corruption rules. The governing body raised concerns because the footage was published while the match was still in progress.
The ICC said Article 2.2.11 of the PMOA minimum standards prohibits recording and broadcasting audio from team dressing rooms during international matches. It had already informed the ECB that any dressing room footage should not include audio or be released before the match ends.
The PMOA rules are designed to protect players and support the ICC's anti-corruption code. Although the ECB has not commented on the matter, reports suggest the board is unlikely to face any disciplinary action.
Harry Brook Leads Race to Replace Ben Stokes
England will now begin the search for a new Test captain ahead of the three-match series against Pakistan in August. Ben Stokes' retirement has left a major leadership vacancy in the side after more than four years in charge.
Harry Brook has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Stokes. He is currently captaining England in the ongoing T20I series against India, where the hosts hold a 2-0 lead with the fourth match set to be played in Bristol.
Stokes leaves behind an outstanding record as England's Test captain. Since taking over in 2022, he guided England to 24 wins in 44 Tests alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, helping transform the team's aggressive approach to red-ball cricket.
